24 Countries Where You Can Buy Citizenship in 2026: A Strategic Guide to Global Mobility, Security, and Legacy
In today’s rapidly shifting world, citizenship is no longer just a birthplace privilege — it’s a strategic asset. Families, entrepreneurs, investors, and globally minded individuals are increasingly diversifying their options by securing second or even third citizenships. Not out of fear, but out of foresight.
At Expatriates Living Abroad, we see this trend daily. People are no longer asking if they should create a Plan B — they’re asking where, how, and what makes sense for their future.
This guide breaks down 24 countries offering citizenship pathways in 2026, while layering in what actually matters: reputation, legitimacy, livability, compliance, and long-term value. Not hype. Not shortcuts. Just real-world insight from professionals who help people relocate, invest, and integrate abroad responsibly.
Why Citizenship by Investment Exists — and Why It’s Evolving
Citizenship by investment (CBI) and citizenship by merit programs exist because countries compete for capital, talent, and contribution. In exchange, applicants gain mobility, security, and optionality.
However, not all programs are created equal.
Some are designed purely as transactional passport schemes. Others are selective, strategic, and aligned with national development goals. The difference matters — especially if you care about:
Long-term passport reputation
Banking and compliance access
Intergenerational security for your family
The option to actually live in the country one day
Our philosophy has always been simple: don’t collect passports — build lifestyles.
The Caribbean: The Classic “Plan B” Citizenship
The Caribbean remains the most established region for citizenship by investment, offering programs that are legally structured, internationally recognized, and relatively fast.
Countries include:
St. Kitts & Nevis
Antigua & Barbuda
Dominica
Grenada
St. Lucia
Investment routes typically range from $200,000–$250,000 USD via donation or approved real estate.
Who this works for:
Individuals with restrictive passports
Families seeking emergency mobility
Investors wanting a straightforward second citizenship
What to consider:
These are often insurance policies, not relocation destinations. While visa-free access to Schengen and parts of Latin America is useful, banking scrutiny and program backlogs have increased. Due diligence matters more than ever.
Europe: High Barriers, High Prestige
Austria (Citizenship by Merit)
Austria does not advertise a “pay-to-play” program. Citizenship is granted only where an applicant demonstrates exceptional economic or cultural contribution — often through multi-million-euro investments.
Estimated threshold: €4–6 million
Timeline: Extended and selective
Benefit: Full EU citizenship, global credibility
This path is best suited to ultra-high-net-worth individuals who value legacy, stability, and European permanence.
Latin America: Livability Meets Long-Term Value
El Salvador
Once misunderstood, El Salvador has undergone one of the most dramatic safety transformations in the Western Hemisphere.
Citizenship via $1M USD donation (crypto accepted)
Strong regional travel access
Tax-friendly, crypto-forward, increasingly expat-friendly
This is a livable Plan B — ideal for those who want both mobility and a realistic second home option.
Citizenship by Merit: When Contribution Beats Capital
Several countries allow citizenship where applicants can demonstrate economic, social, or strategic value, not just financial input.
Notable examples:
Serbia
Armenia
Georgia
These programs require:
Clean legal background
Documented contribution (business, employment, cultural impact)
Strong presentation to national authorities
This is where expertise truly matters. Structuring a merit-based application is nuanced, legal, and highly individualized — and often overlooked by mass-market agents.
Turkey: Proceed With Strategic Caution
Turkey’s real estate-linked citizenship program requires a $400,000 USD property investment.
While historically popular, current political discussions and program saturation have increased uncertainty. For some, it still works — but only with robust legal oversight and realistic expectations.
Fast-Track Options: Speed vs Substance
Vanuatu & Nauru
Investment range: ~$130,000 USD
Timeline: 2–3 months
Crypto-friendly
These passports are typically used for privacy or contingency, not mainstream travel or banking. They serve a purpose — but only when aligned with a broader strategy.
Africa: Emerging, But Selective
Legitimate African programs include:
Botswana – stable, democratic, promising
Sierra Leone – ECOWAS access
São Tomé & Príncipe – limited practicality
Africa represents long-term optionality, particularly for those with ancestral ties or future-focused investment outlooks. Caution is essential — corruption-based “offers” remain a real risk.
Middle East & Asia: Highly Selective Gatekeepers
UAE – Citizenship by exception for ultra-high-net-worth individuals (typically $10M–$30M+ investments)
Cambodia – Donation-based citizenship (~$250,000 USD)
These programs are not mass-market. They reward scale, influence, and alignment with national priorities.
What Most People Get Wrong About Buying Citizenship
The biggest misconception? That this is about travel perks.
In reality, modern global citizens care about:
Asset protection
Political neutrality
Family continuity
Educational access
Healthcare systems
Cultural fit
A passport without a plan is just paper.
How We Actually Support You at Expats Living Abroad
We don’t sell passports.
We architect global lives.
Our work sits at the intersection of:
Relocation strategy
Residency and citizenship pathways
Ethical investment guidance
Property and housing referrals
Cultural integration and compliance
We assess who you are, where you’re going, and why — then align you with jurisdictions that make sense legally, socially, and financially.
We also collaborate with vetted professionals across immigration law, real estate, taxation, and on-the-ground relocation support to ensure every move is compliant, intentional, and future-proofed.
🌍✨ Let’s go beyond simply moving abroad, let’s do it thoughtfully, ethically, and with long-term vision.
For relocation guidance, sustainable housing referrals, citizenship and residency strategy, and cultural immersion insights, explore:👉 www.expatslivingabroad.com
Join us on YouTube and inside our Facebook community, where informed global citizens connect, learn, and grow, responsibly.
The future belongs to those who plan wisely. Let’s build yours.